Mabus chose the name Yuma as a tribute to the residents of the Arizona city and their close ties with the military.

"The real reason we're here today is the people of Yuma," said Mabus. "For 86 years you have been supporting military aviation here in the heart of Arizona, and for 55 years you have been the desert home of Marine Corps aviation."

Speaking to a crowd that included Yuma's Mayor Douglas Nicholls, Mabus explained what the future may hold for JHSV 8.

"The ships we build today will be a part of fleet for more than three decades. Sailors not yet born will serve in her," he said. "With her ability to operate in areas that might be otherwise inaccessible, USNS Yuma may well be the only part of America, and her Sailors the only Americans, some people in the world will ever see."

The future USNS Yuma will be built on a catamaran hull that can operate in shallow waterways. It will feature a flight deck able to support day and night helicopter and unmanned aircraft operations.

JHSVs also have, according to Mabus, "a whole lot of space inside," an important aspect of future operations.

"That space is what makes these ships so important for our future," he said. "It gives our Marines and Sailors an opportunity to come up with new and innovative ways of operating. These ships will carry Marines across the vast Pacific, operating with our partners and helping to build up our allies."

JHSVs will also deploy to the Caribbean and South and Central America as well as work with Special Operations forces among other missions.

Mabus concluded his remarks at the ceremony by thanking the city for hosting the event and sharing its name with the Department of the Navy.

"Thank you for this opportunity to share with you our recognition of your city and your support of our Navy and Marine Corps," he said. "Thank you all for being here and joining in the celebration of what I know will be a continued special relationship between Yuma, the Marine Corps, the Navy and the ship which will bear its name."

For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav or www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy.

140425-N-PM781-003 PHOENIX (April 25, 2014) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus throws out the ceremonial first pitch before an Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball game at Chase Field. During his time at the stadium Mabus also took part in a reenlistment ceremony for local area Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arif Patani/Released)

140425-N-PM781-001 PHOENIX (April 25, 2014) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus signs a small baseball bat before an Arizona Diamondbacks' Major League Baseball game at Chase Field. During his time at the stadium Mabus threw out the ceremonial first pitch and took part in a reenlistment ceremony for local Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arif Patani/Released)

140424-N-PM781-002 YUMA, Ariz. (April 24, 2014) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus is briefed by Marine Lt. Col. Robert D. Cooper, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, about the command's aircraft and role in a Marine Corps aviation. Mabus is in Yuma to visit with Sailors and Marines assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, as well as to the name of the next joint high speed vessel as USNS Yuma (JHSV 8). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arif Patani/Released)

April 26, 2014

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